Although I do check regulary, I usually keep myself away from commenting on these types of forums for the simple fact it is very easy to pass judgement on here. I have seen for several weeks now people commenting on our Half-Back problems and I do find it interesting and sometimes ammusing seeing all the differences of opinions. I fully understand we are short in the halves, especially in the mould of somebody to lead the team around the park and possess a good enough kicking game required at the top level. This is for sure....
The reason I feel the need to comment is that through all the comments I've read nobody seems to mention the name of our very own Danny Yates but of all these foreigners we can go and offer big paydays to. Granted, I believe he is currently injured and also still 18/19 with no Super League experience, but he is English and more importantly one of our own. Also, his qualities are there for all to see. I say all, in fact there are several fans who are quick to pass comment who don't bother to watch any games other than at first team level, but for those who come to games early and see the younger teams play will see his potential. There has been a buzz around his and Percivals name for a while now (we are seeing Percivals potential currently) and let's not forget this is a lad who captained England not long back playing at scrum-half. I've seen many players come through the ranks in recent years - Gaskell, Wheeler, Smith, Ellis, Lomax e.t.c but in my opinion Yates his a better out and out half back than any of these. He leads teams around the park very well, possesses real creative hands and also has a very solid kicking game.
I'm not saying he should be in the team every week because he shouldn't, but it does rile me when I see people say we should splash out on these foreign half backs to solve our problem when I believe we have talent coming through our own ranks. Let's be honest Wigan seem to be doing ok putting trust in their youngsters!!
I'm very interested to see the response and as to how many have actually seen Yates on a regular basis and the opinion they offer on the matter.

Wigan have Blake Green and Matty Smith in the halves. Neither are from their academy.

If Yates is as good as you think he is, then get him in the team.

Danny Yates is injured. Out for 6 weeks, broken bone in hand, picked it up 3 weeks ago.

He could quite easily be on the Radar of Brown. Just because someone is of good enough quality, it does not mean that Brown is going to play them.

I think he showed this with Percival, Percival has showed great qualities in the Leeds game. Most teams would be throwing him in week after week, but that's not the case here. I've not seen the lad play so it's hard to say. But given that we have tried everyone else in the team this year whose to say if there is not a plan to feed Yates into the team also.

This Castleford game could have been a good oppertunity, but for injury.

Brown will be in no rush to have his best team up and running before August, so there is still plenty of time to dripfeed him into the side. Wilkin and Yates could happen later in the season.

His problem is his physique, and unfortunately for him, he isn't the quickest either. His game management is excellent, and his kicking game is outstanding, but I just don't think he is ready just yet. To be honest, I think he is 2-3 years away from first team level.